A verdict on the Strictly Come Dancing scandal is expected before the end of next week, according to reports.

Following her short stint on the show last year, Amanda Abbington, 50, made a a series of accusations and an official complaint about pro dancer, Giovanni Pernice, 33, branding his training methods ‘cruel’ and ‘abusive’. However, the Italian vehemently denies the claims.

Two former detectives are reportedly involved in the BBC’s investigation into allegations against the ex-Strictly professional. It has been claimed that they’ve already interviewed at least one female complainant, with two more scheduled for interviews.

Following months of drama for the much-loved show, a source close to the probe has revealed that a decision is likely to be announced within days.

Amanda Abbington left the show just five weeks in after dancing with Giovanni Pernice ( 
Image:
BBC)

They said: “Investigators have spent the past few weeks pouring back over evidence including text messages and messages shared on whatsapp,” reports the Mail.

The source added: “They’ve spoken to witnesses and re-interviewed people who have given evidence as part of the investigation. The investigators believe they’ve seen and reviewed everything that they need to and are in a position to make a final decision on what happened.

“All of the allegations have now been put to Giovanni and his team of lawyers and Amanda has had an opportunity to share all the evidence she needs. Both of them now just want to hear what the BBC have decided.”

The source said that the BBC is unlikely to share a “warts and all’ account” of their findings – and that their final statement could end up being quite short. They then explained that the investigation has involved “many months of work” because there has been “a lot of information to go through”.

The source also revealed that the BBC’s concluding statement could be “pretty short” because a lot of information will remain private, “not least because there’s the potential for further legal action down the line that the BBC might need to be prepared for”.

It comes after actress, Amanda, is said to have found the BBC’s line of questioning during the investigation “highly offensive”. It has been reported the mum-of-two has been quizzed for a second time by the broadcaster. Amanda is believed to have spoken about an illicit video allegedly shared by Giovanni as well as a “lewd remark” he made about another contestant when the clip was sent. Giovanni has also faced claims he made a crude comment about a member of Amanda’s family.

“Amanda was effectively asked whether Gio meant the comments as light-hearted banter,” a source told the Sun. “She found this line of questioning highly offensive.” Speaking of the video, they added: “The BBC can’t ignore the fact the video was sent. There seems to be a trail of evidence.” A BBC spokesman said: “As we have said before, we will not be commenting on individuals or engaging in speculation.”

The investigation has since widened to look beyond the Amanda’s claims against the Siclian. The probe is now looking at how staff dealt with the situation and whether concerns were adequately escalated. A source told the Mirror : “The probe will look at whether producers heeded the warnings that someone may have been struggling and what was done about it. It’s difficult to see how the BBC can emerge from this without any blame whatsoever but time will tell. There are always learnings from things like this.”

Amanda was invited for a second interview earlier this month as a spokeswoman for the actress said: “Amanda shared additional messages at the request of the BBC. She has fully cooperated with the review and will continue to do so.” It was thought at the time they related to messages between her and Giovanni.

The dancer’s friends have insisted all communications between the two of them are above board and “no smoking gun.” Giovanni denies Amanda’s claims that he subjected her to bullying and has vowed to clear his name.

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Meanwhile, Laura Whitmore has confirmed that she was also asked to the speak to the BBC about alleged “inappropriate behaviour” behind-the-scenes on Strictly. The presenter, now 39, competed on the show in 2016 and was partnered with Giovanni.

When contacted by the Mirror for comment on this story, a BBC spokesman said: “As we have said before, we will not be commenting on individuals or engaging in speculation.”

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Source: CNN